Sensory music fun for supported families

There is no shortage of fun being had at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Outreach, Therapies and Family Support Centre, Shooting Star House, with a new open music therapy group.

The group run by Marion Barton, Music Therapist and Physiotherapist, Ginny Hancock begins with saying hello, encouraging the children and adults to turn and wave to each other, then Ginny takes everyone through some gentle stretches, or songs are used to encourage body awareness.

Marion Barton, Music Therapist explains more, “This week we used the ocean drum to hear the sounds of the sea and did some free play on the instruments including drums, shakers, and guitar. Halfway through each session we have ‘sensory song time’ where we use ribbons and instruments to make a multisensory experience, while I play the piano and sing a favourite song – this week we sang ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin which really suited the beautiful colourful ribbons floating through the air.

“Lastly, we used a sensory ball that was rolled around the circle, whenever the music stopped the person holding the ball could choose another group member to roll it to.

“We finish each session with bubbles – which encourage the children to stretch out and touch the bubbles, move their heads, watch them fly and work on their fine motor skills to pop them with one finger!”

This weekly open group is bookable for families through Shooting Star Children’s Hospices website and allows them to attend as and when works for them. Giving them not only an opportunity for the supported children to enjoy a multi-sensory experience, but to be able to catch up with other parents over a tea and cake!